TOPEKA (KSNT) - A local thrift store is making a comeback after a fire caused tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage earlier this year.
KSNT 27 News spoke with Jeremy Sann, owner of the Dandy Deals thrift store, who said he plans to hold a grand re-opening celebration later this month. This is to help let people know the store is still open and that it has overcome the damage caused by the May fire.
"We're gonna open Saturday, July 20 for a grand re-opening from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. that day," Sann said. "Around 11 a.m. we'll have free pulled pork, chips and a drink for first 200 people."
Sann said the majority of the damage done to his business was from smoke. Motion sensors inside alerted him of the fire and a passerby helped notify authorities of the fire.
Initial reporting from the Topeka Fire Department placed the total damages at $25,000. Sann claims the number is closer to $100,000 taking into account repairs, painting and other expenses.
Overall, he said the damage done was "very minimal thank God, we're very blessed."
"We were told it was chemicals on our towels," Sann said. "More along the lines of spontaneous combustion."
Sann and his staff are taking precautions now to avoid a similar situation in the future by placing cleaning chemicals outside in locked containers.
"We just appreciate everybody's patience, everybody's understanding," Sann said.
Food at the re-opening will be provided by Smokin' H's Meats, a local catering business. You can find Dandy Deals at 1801 South Kansas Avenue. To learn more about the business, click here to go to its website.
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